Calaguas Island, A Backpacker’s Delight!

The next day, the boat arrived and we bid goodbye to Macolabo Island. This was the second day of the trip and we’re headed to Mahabang Buhangin or more popularly known as Calaguas Island. In most parts of the boat ride, the water was calm considering that we were travelling in an open sea. From afar, we could see other islands which may also be worth visiting in the future.

Most people who have visited this island have been raving about how beautiful Calaguas Island is. Some even claimed it to be the real Boracay of the North or the next Boracay. I am not really a fan of comparing equally beautiful but less popular beaches in the Philippines with Boracay. Boracay is Boracay and even if Calaguas were as beautiful or even more beautiful than Boracay, I personally believe it is best that Calaguas be known as Calaguas and not refer to it as the next this or that. Oh well. Anyway, having read a lot of positive remarks about this island, I have to say, my expectations were quite high, and as we came nearer, I could only hope that the island would not disappoint us.

Soon we had our first glimpse of the island. I stood up and moved carefully towards the front of the boat to have a better view. We all got excited, and just after a few minutes, the whole group started to cheer! It was awesome! The sand was of excellent quality! Maybe, not as powdery white as that of Boracay’s but it would certainly not disappoint. And the water was crystal clear! One member of our group later described it perfectly when she said, “parang swimming pool!”(just like the waters in a swimming pool). I couldn’t agree more. Calaguas island exceeded our expectations!

After we set up our camp, we began exploring the island. We spent the whole afternoon swimming, strolling by the beach, lazing around and taking pictures of one another. How else should one spend a day in a beautiful beach like Calaguas?

Before sunset, some of us started to prepare dinner while the rest walked to a nearby natural spring to rinse off.

We had bonfire after dinner.

Jim prepared his own version of Mindoro sling (a cocktail drink he learned to mix from Puerto Galera). And after downing two pitchers of it, everyone called it a day.

I woke up early the next day to catch the sunrise. It was beautiful -a promise of another wonderful day ahead.

THIS MAY HELP:

There is an entrance fee of P150.00. Accommodation is pretty basic. Camping is recommended but if you don’t feel comfortable sleeping in a tent, Mang Bert Gonzales and his family, who have been taking care of the island for years now, have one small nipa hut you may rent for P200. Mang Bert has two toilets which he allows campers to use. There is also freshwater you may use to rinse off.

There is no electricity in the island and there is no store nearby so make sure you bring a flashlight and the other necessities like food and drinking water.

If you decide to set your camp on the right side facing the beach, a few meters from Mang Bert’s house (which we did), you can also take a 5-minute walk towards the mountain and you will find another nipa hut which is owned by Mang Bert’s relative. There is also freshwater coming from a spring, but this dries up depending on the time of your visit.

How to get there:

1. Package Tours. You may avail of the services of some tour organizers who offer regular trips to Calaguas. Highly recommended is Mr. Melvic Brinas’ group.

2. Do-it-yourself. Superlines and Philtranco in Cubao have direct bus trips to Paracale. But in case their scheduled trips to Paracale differ from your planned ETD, you may opt to take a bus bound to Daet and tell the driver to drop you off at Talobatib. From Talobatib, ride another bus to Paracale then take a tricycle from Paracale town to Paracale port. Approximate travel time from Manila to Paracale is 10 hours. Fare ranges from P500-P800. From Paracale port, you have two options: a. Wait for a passenger boat going to Mangkawayan, which cost P50 one way, then from Mangkawayan, you can either trek for 30 minutes or hire another boat that would take you to Mahabang Buhangin (Calaguas). Note: The Paracale-Mangkawayan trip schedule is unpredictable b. Hire a boat to Mahabang Buhangin. Approximate cost would be from P2000-P2500.

Mahabang Buhangin or simply Calaguas for most people who have visited the island, is a backpackers’ paradise. But if you’re the type of tourist who coudn’t live without the comfort of the basic amenities developed beaches have, then this is simply not the place for you.

FOR RENT BOAT SERVICE VIA PARACALE TO MAHABANG BUHANGIN BEACH AT CALAGUAS ISLAND JUST CONTACT ME TO MY NUMBER 09486793920 or SEND MESSAGE TO MY E MAIL & FACEBOOK ACCOUNT AT granhier@yahoo.com,,,,MEET UP HERE IN FISHPORT PARACALE CAMARINES NORTE…THANK YOU

Just wanted to share our experience during our Calaguas trip this Febuary 2015, this is after heavy rain in so waves are really rough and my heart is about to jump. Good thing our tour guide Noly is really helpful to us and comfort us during that time.
When we reach the island, it was majestic and pristine as it could be. We had 4 meals a day (heavy meals) and when we go back to Vinzons, Noly asked us to eat at their house (no additional charge) before we head out to Manila. It was an experience for a lifetime, not just because of the beautiful beach. But our tour guide is really helpful and hostpitable.
You can contact him Noly – 09179595985 / 09206611018 or http://www.calaguasislands.com/ (not affiliated in any way, just a happy traveler)

CHEAP BOAT RENTAL VIA PARACALE TO CALAGUAS ISLAND. KINDLY TEXT US 09486793920, 09471109451, or 09303829656. Contact KUYA JACK, JES, and ATE BEBE. TNX MUCH AND GODBLESS
MARINA ACCREDITED WITH INSURANCE
AND CPC.
THE FIRST ONE AND GOOD SERVICES TOUR OPERATOR IN PARACALE SINCE 2008